- CraftKnitting
- US abbreviationsl
- UK abbreviationsl
- TypeGetting started
What is slip stitch?
Moving a stitch from one needle to the other without knitting it. Slipped stitches make neat edges, decreases like ssk, and slip stitch colour patterns.
In a pattern you will see it written as sl in both US and UK patterns.
How to do it, step by step
- Insert the right needle into the stitch purlwise unless told otherwise.
- Move it to the right needle without working it.
- Keep the yarn where the pattern says (wyib = back, wyif = front).
The mistake to watch for
Slip purlwise for texture and edges, knitwise for decreases. When a pattern does not say, go purlwise.
If you are left-handed
Most left-handed knitters knit the usual way, since both hands work. If you prefer, you can knit mirrored: stitches move from the right needle to the left. Swap "left" and "right" in the steps.
Related stitches
Questions
What is the most common mistake with slip stitch?
Slip purlwise for texture and edges, knitwise for decreases. When a pattern does not say, go purlwise.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
